Everything you need to know about the 2026 Ironman World Championship in Kona
We have all the information you need about the championship week and race day, including course routes, road impacts, spectator information and much more.
The Ironman World Championship 2026 is back in Kona, with events underway throughout the week in West Hawai‘i.
The championship also returns to its roots this year, with men and women racing together on a single day, Oct. 10, marking the first single-day race since 2019.
Who will win? Check out our story about the elite athletes.
Feel the spirit of champions past as men and women triathletes face the ultimate 140.6-mile test of willpower and endurance. The 2026 participants, just as tens of thousands of others before them, will swim in the turquoise waters of Kailua Bay, bike across the raw volcanic landscapes of Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway and run under the radiant Hawaiian sun toward the finish line on Ali’i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona.
Explore course details and additional information about this year’s Ironman below.
ROKA Swim Course: 2.4 miles
Experience the electrifying energy of the ROKA swim start as triathletes dive into the crystal-clear waters of Kailua Bay for a 2.4-mile swim.
With the majestic sunrise over Hualālai as the backdrop, athletes swim out-and-back in a clockwise direction encountering small swells and enjoying warm swim conditions.
The swim begins and ends with a surge of excitement fueled by the crowds of media and spectators as the Ironman World Championship journey kicks off.
ZOOT Bike Course: 112 miles
This renowned 112-mile ZOOT bike route travels from Kailua-Kona to the Hāwī turnaround and back on iconic Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway.
Despite a challenging elevation gain, exposed terrain and strong crosswinds, athletes will find peace in the captivating views of lava fields, coastlines and ocean.
HOKA run course: 26.2 miles
The HOKA run course, Ironman’s final leg, is an out-and-back marathon that goes past the spirited crowds on Aliʻi Drive up Palani Road to Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, leading to the HOST Park at Natural Energy Laboratory Hawaiʻi Authority.
Runners navigate a rolling course with intermittent steep stretches followed by a triumphant return along the highway and a grand finale that includes a victorious lap through Kona town, culminating in the exhilaration of the Ironman World Championship finish line.
Bike Safety
Note: There is no riding on the south of Kona town while training on the island for the safety of Ironman participants and others. Watch a video about training safety on YouTube.
Road Impacts
Click on the link above to discover more.
Drone restrictions
FBI Honolulu and its partners are enforcing Federal Aviation Administration-imposed temporary flight restrictions in the skies above Kailua-Kona during the 2026 Ironman World Championship.
Drone operators should always check airspace restrictions using the B4UFLY apps or visit the Federal Aviation Administration website to check if there are any temporary flight restrictions in place before flying an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Violations of restrictions can result in civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison and seizure of the drone.
The FBI asks members of the public to maintain awareness of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity, including unsafe drone activity, by calling 9-1-1.
2026 Competition Rules
Ironman reissues its global competition rules each year and provides necessary updates.
The main updates for the 2026 rules relate to the bike draft zone for professional athletes, equipment specifications and terminology around the Para Open Division.
Click here to find more information.
Schedule
Friday, Oct. 9
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7 a.m. to noon | Active Release Technique (ART) | KBR Honu’s Lawn |
| 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Official IRONMAN® Store – Store 2 | In front of KBR |
| 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Accreditation Office | KBR Conference Room 5 |
| 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | VIP Guest Services | KBR Ballroom 1 |
| 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Media Center | KBR Paddlers |
| 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Volunteer Check-In | KBR Mākeke Room |
| 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | IRONMAN Information Center/ Lost and Found/ `Ohana | KBR Conference Room 6 |
| 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Official IRONMAN® Store – Main Store | KBR Parking Lot |
| 10 to 10:30 a.m. | Meet Miles at Official IRONMAN Store – Store 2 | In front of KBR |
| 10 to 11 a.m. | IRONMAN U Coach Coffee Meet up. Present and Future Coaches Welcome | Puna Chocolate, 74-5606 Pawai Pl |
| 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | IRONMAN Village | Hale Hālāwai, Ali`i Drive |
| 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | The Champion Mindset: Purpose, Resilience & Performance with Heather Fuhr, Mirinda Carfrae, Karen Smyers and Daniela Ryf | IRONMAN Village Stage/Hale Hālāwai |
| 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Woven ‘Prep’ Rally. Drop By and Get Ready, Get Hyped for Race Day. | KBR front Lawn |
| 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Check-In and Cheer: Professional Athlete Bike Check-In | Bike Compound – Kailua Pier |
| 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Age Group Athletes Bike/Helmet/Gear Check-in: Race numbers 1 – 1315 | Bike Compound – Kailua Pier |
| 2:30 to 6 p.m. | Age Group Athletes Bike/Helmet/Gear Check-in: Race numbers 1316+ | Bike Compound – Kailua Pier |
| 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. | PlayTri Triathlon & Bike Tech Service Center | Kailua Pier |
| Noon to 12:30 p.m. | Nirvana Flat Tire Clinic | IRONMAN Lounge/Hale Hālāwai |
| 1 to 2 p.m. | ROUVY Power Hour | IRONMAN Lounge/Hale Hālāwai |
| 2:30 to 3 p.m. | Meet Miles at Official IRONMAN Store – Store 2 | In front of KBR |
Saturday, Oct. 10
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 to 6:15 a.m. | Personal Needs Drop/ Transition Opens | KBR Parking Lot |
| 5:30 to 12:45 a.m. | IRONMAN Information Center/ Lost and Found/ `Ohana | KBR Conference Room 6 |
| 5:30 to 7 a.m. | Accreditation Office | KBR Conference Room 5 |
| 5:30 to 1:30 a.m. | Media Center | KBR Paddlers |
| 6:20 a.m. | Race Start – Professional Men | Kailua Pier |
| 6:30 a.m. | Race Start – Professional Women | Kailua Pier |
| 6:38 a.m. | Race Start – Age Group | Kailua Pier |
| 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Official IRONMAN® Store – Store 2 | In front of KBR |
| 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Official IRONMAN® Store – Main Store | KBR Parking Lot |
| 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. | Friends & Family Reunion Zone | KBR Parking Lot |
| 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. | Bike & Gear Pick-Up (no earlier than 7 p.m. and no later than 1a.m.) | Kailua Pier |
| 11:45 p.m. | Hawai’i Aloha (Aunty Mele’s Hour) | Finish Line |
Sunday, Oct. 11
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Official IRONMAN® Store – Main Store | KBR Parking Lot |
| 9 a.m. to noon | Media Center | KBR Paddlers |
| 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | IRONMAN Information Center/ Lost and Found/ `Ohana | KBR Conference Room 6 |
| 5 to 5:40 p.m. | Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series Podium Presentation | KBR Lū’au Grounds |
| 5 p.m. | 2026 Experience Oman IRONMAN Pro Series | KBR Lū’au Grounds |
| 6 p.m. | Banquet of Champions | KBR Parking Lot |
Monday, Oct. 12
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | IRONMAN Information Center/ Lost and Found/ `Ohana | KBR Conference Room 6 |
| 5 p.m. | Volunteer Mahalo Party | KBR Parking Lot |
| 5 to 5:30 p.m. | Meet Miles at Official IRONMAN Store – Store 2 | In front of KBR |
Welcome, Kona and Hawaiʻi Island Communities
Ironman World Championship, the pinnacle event of Ironman Triathlon Series race season, since its inception in 1978 has etched its name in history through stellar athletic performances, inspirational participants, emotional stories and the unique and magical setting of Hawaiʻi, where it all unfolds.
It is the most iconic endurance sporting event in the world and culmination of 40 global Ironman events with more than 94,000 athletes around the world striving for one of the coveted qualifying slots, ultimately crowned Ironman World Champion.
Spectator Information
There are plenty of places to catch all the action during the Oct. 10 Ironman World Championship men and women’s races. You can also watch the races online if you can’t make it to Kailua-Kona in-person.
Click here for additional information.
How to watch
- Ironman Pro Series website – live
- Ironman YouTube channel – live
- Outside TV – 45 minute highlights
Get Involved
You can even be part of the Ironman ʻohana by volunteering and experience the race up close.
From energizing athlete aid stations to celebrating the incredible finish, you’ll join a passionate community, create memories and make an impact.
Click here to learn more about volunteering to help during the iconic triathlon.
Find More Information
Visit the official Ironman World Championship website and follow the event on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube and Strava.
Solid Waste Facility Closures
West Hawaiʻi Sanitary Landfill and Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station will be closed Oct. 10 because of the Ironman World Championship. Regular operations and services are scheduled to resume at the following dates and times:
- Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station: 6 a.m. Oct. 11.
- West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill: 7 a.m. Oct. 12.
Click here or call Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division at 808-961-8270 for locations and operating hours of solid waste facilities and additional information.
